The majority of Connecticut voters support the return of tolls on state highways — under certain conditions — according to the latest poll from Quinnipiac University. While 58 percent generally oppose tolls on Connecticut highways, 57 percent would support them if the toll revenue were to be used to repair the state’s roads and bridges.

Although highway tolls have been banned in Connecticut since the 1980’s, they have made a comeback this legislative session, and in previous sessions, as a way to increase much-needed revenue. Last week the legislature’s transportation committee sidelined a tolling bill that was introduced in January that would have brought tolls to Connecticut’s Interstates, and instead, passed a bill to study the benefits and disadvantages of establishing tolls. The committee also passed a separate bill that would establish electronic tolls to help pay for an extension of Route 11 (which Tri-State opposes).

For decades, the State has relied on federal aid to fund improvements to its highways and bridges, but federal aid has been slipping. To supplement these funds, Connecticut uses the Special Transportation Fund, which is mostly funded by the state’s 48.6-cent gas tax. Still, this is not enough because gas tax revenues have fallen as cars become more fuel-efficient and Connecticutters are driving less. It also doesn’t help that Governor Malloy and his predecessors have dipped into the Special Transportation Fund to balance the State budget.

As the poll results show, tolls would have much greater support if the revenue they generate is placed in a lockbox dedicated to transportation. That’s one reason why Connecticut lawmakers have proposed a bill and a constitutional amendment  that would block state politicians from raiding the Special Transportation Fund to cover deficits in the general budget.  Although passing a constitutional amendment could take a while, it will carry more force than a statutory change, and sends a clear message that Connecticut’s transportation funds must not be looted.

In addition, any tolling should also serve the equally important purpose of mitigating congestion on Connecticut’s existing roads. The Texas Transportation Institute found that congestion costs Connecticut drivers in the Hartford, New Haven and Bridgeport-Stamford areas roughly 48 million hours in delays and $971 million in lost time and wasted fuel each year.